License fees vary by type and location, and most are set by your state or local government

The cost of a license depends on what you are licensing. A driver's license in one state might cost $30, while in another it costs $85. A business license in a city of 50,000 people might be $150, while the same business in a larger city pays $500. A hunting license in one state is $25; in another, $75. There is no single answer because each issuing body — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, your city clerk's office, your state wildlife agency — sets its own fees.

The fee also depends on how long the license lasts. A driver's license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. A one-year business license costs less than a three-year license. Some licenses charge a flat fee; others charge based on what you earn or what you own.

The fastest way to find the exact cost is to contact the office that issues the license you need. That office can also tell you what documents to bring, how long the process takes, and whether you can pay online or must pay in person.

Key Takeaways

  • License fees are set by the government body that issues the license — your state, county, or city — so the cost depends on where you live and what you are licensing.
  • The same type of license costs different amounts in different places; a driver's license in one state may cost half what it costs in another.
  • Longer licenses cost more than shorter ones, and some licenses charge based on your income or the size of your business rather than a flat fee.
  • The issuing office — the DMV, city clerk, or state agency — can tell you the exact fee, what to bring, and how to pay in one phone call or website visit.

Driver's licenses and ID cards

A state driver's license or ID card typically costs between $20 and $85, depending on the state and how long the license lasts. Some states charge more for a REAL ID-compliant card, which meets federal standards for air travel and federal building access. A REAL ID card usually costs $10 to $20 more than a standard license.

Renewal fees are often lower than the fee for a first license. Many states let you renew online or by mail, which may cost less than renewing in person. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the exact fee for your state and the documents you need to bring.

Business licenses and permits

A business license from your city or county typically costs between $50 and $500 per year, though some cities charge more. The fee often depends on the type of business and its location. A home-based consulting business might pay $75, while a retail store in a downtown area might pay $300 or more.

Some cities charge based on the number of employees or the amount of revenue. Others charge a flat fee for all businesses in a category. Your city clerk's office or business licensing department can tell you the exact fee for your business type and location. Many cities now let you pay online.

Hunting, fishing, and recreational licenses

A hunting or fishing license costs between $15 and $150 per year, depending on the state and the type of game or fish. Resident licenses (for people who live in the state) are cheaper than non-resident licenses. A resident hunting license might be $25, while a non-resident license for the same state is $150 or more.

Many states offer short-term licenses — a one-day or three-day license costs less than an annual license. Your state's wildlife or fish and game agency sells licenses online, by phone, or at sporting goods stores. The agency website lists all available licenses and their costs.

Professional licenses and certifications

A professional license — for nurses, electricians, real estate agents, contractors, and other regulated professions — costs between $100 and $500 for the initial license, depending on the profession and state. Renewal fees are usually lower, between $50 and $300 every one to three years.

Some professions require you to pay for an exam before you can get the license. The exam fee is separate from the license fee and can range from $100 to $500. Your state's licensing board for your profession lists the exam cost, the license fee, and what you need to bring to the exam.

Marriage licenses and vital records

A marriage license costs between $10 and $100, depending on the state and county. Some counties charge less if you complete a premarital counseling course. The license is usually valid for 30 to 60 days after you receive it, and you must use it within that time.

Certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates cost between $5 and $30 each, depending on the state. You order these from your state's vital records office or your county clerk. Rush processing costs more and takes a few days instead of a few weeks.

Pet licenses and animal permits

A dog or cat license costs between $5 and $50 per year, depending on your city or county. Some places charge less if your pet is spayed or neutered. A few cities offer free licenses for seniors or people with disabilities.

If you want to keep an unusual pet — a bird, reptile, or exotic animal — you may need a permit instead of or in addition to a license. Permit costs vary widely and depend on the animal and your location. Your city or county animal control office or health department can tell you whether your pet needs a license or permit and what it costs.

How to find the exact fee for your license

The fastest way to find out what a license costs is to search "[your city or state] [license type] fee" online. Most government offices now post fees on their websites. If you cannot find the fee online, call the office that issues the license. They can tell you the fee, what documents to bring, how long the process takes, and whether you can pay online or by mail.

When you call or visit, have your location ready — the fee may differ between counties or cities. If you are renewing a license, ask whether the renewal fee is lower than the initial fee and whether you can renew by mail or online. Some offices offer discounts for seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities, so ask about those as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a license fee online?

Many government offices now accept online payment for license fees, but not all. Your state or local office's website usually shows whether you can pay online and what payment methods they accept. If the website does not say, call the office directly — they can tell you whether online payment is available and how to do it.

What if I cannot afford the license fee?

Some government offices offer fee waivers or reductions for people with low income. Ask the office that issues your license whether a waiver or reduction is available. A few cities also offer payment plans that let you pay the fee in installments instead of all at once.

Do I have to pay the fee again if I renew my license?

Yes, you pay a renewal fee each time you renew, though the renewal fee is often lower than the fee for a new license. Some licenses are valid for several years, so you only pay once every few years. Your license documents tell you when it expires and what the renewal fee is.

What if I lose my license and need a replacement?

A replacement license usually costs the same as a renewal or slightly less. Some offices charge a small extra fee for a replacement issued before the original license expires. Call the office that issued your license to find out the replacement fee and how long it takes to get a new one.

Are there any licenses that are free?

A few licenses are free in some places. Some cities offer free dog licenses for seniors or people with disabilities. A few states offer free hunting or fishing licenses to veterans or people with certain disabilities. Check with your local or state office to see whether a free or reduced-cost license is available for your situation.